Grand Rapids Drive return to practice day after death of Zeke Upshaw

The Grand Rapids Drive is facing the franchise's first postseason when it is dealing with the death of player Zeke Upshaw.

The team returned to practice Tuesday, less than a day after learning that Upshaw had passed away after he collapsed on the court in the closing minute of Saturday's regular-season finale.

"We're trying to move forward a little bit each day," coach Ryan Krueger said as he spoke with the media as a mid-day practice at Calvin College. "It's going to take a long time for our team for grieve, but each day that goes by - it will never be easy but we're moving forward little by little."

Players were not made available to media.

Drive President Steve Jbara said Monday the team decided it would go forward with playoff plans and wear a patch with "Zeke" on it.

The team leaves Thursday for Mississauga, Ontario, for their first-round game 7 p.m. Friday against Toronto 905s (the game was originally planned for Wednesday). It will be the franchise's first playoff appearance in four seasons as the G League affiliate of the Detroit Pistons.

Krueger struggled to explain the message he has shared with the team.

"We're just trying to be there for each other and show our love and support for Zeke's family," he said.

It was Upshaw's mother, Jewel, who sent out a note Monday afternoon via the Drive that Upshaw had died, less than two days after dropped to the court at the DeltaPlex Arena.

Statement from Jewel Upshaw, Zeke's mother: "After continued efforts from the medical team at Spectrum Health, Zeke made his transition at 11:16 am. To family, friends, teammates, coaches, fans & confidants, thank you for your prayers and support during this most difficult time. pic.twitter.com/1AutFtIFwU